Desert Football Book 4: Rushing Closer by Christie Gordon

 

Desert Football Book 4

Moving in with my best friend should’ve been simple. Instead, it’s the beginning of something I never saw coming.

Malik

Grey’s been my ride-or-die since football camp.

Then he moves in—flustered, jealous, staring at my mouth like he forgets we’re “just friends.”

He watches me like he’s starving. He blushes when I touch him.

One drunken night wrecks us both.

And then he panics because wanting me might cost him everything.

But when Grey reaches for me, shaking, desperate, honest, I know this isn’t one-sided.

I’m already all in.

I just need him to choose us.

Greyson

Football is my escape. My future. My chance to finally break free from my father’s grip.

But living with Malik changes everything.

We’ve always been close. Too close.

Sharing beds after long nights, clinging to each other when life hit hard, acting like we were something more without ever naming it.

Something in me cracks open.

I’m not supposed to want him.

Not when my father is arranging my life, my future, and my girlfriend.

But every night in that house pushes me closer to Malik, and every touch makes it harder to lie to both of us.

I’m falling for my best friend, and I don’t know how to stop.

Rushing Closer is book 4 of the Desert Football series, featuring a happy-go-lucky running back and the wealthy transfer student discovering he’s not as straight as he thought. Expect friends-to-lovers, bi awakening, roommates with too much chemistry, jealous pining, meddling families, and steam that hits like a fourth-quarter comeback.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244172491-rushing-closer

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Malik can’t be more excited when his best friend, Grey, calls him to tell him that he is transferring to Malik’s college for their senior year. It’s their last year to show recruiters what they got so they can pursue their careers in the NFL. Malik and Grey are closer than close. Their friendship strong and affectionate. And for Grey, he is happy to get this chance to prove to his dad that he can make it and escape the life his dad has already planned for him. But even when he is far away, turns out avoiding those plans is harder than it seems. Especially when his dad is pushing him to date a woman in their social circles. But even more complicated? The sudden realization that his feelings for his best friends is more than just friends. And that he may actually be attracted to Malik. But he can’t have feelings for Malik. Not with how he knows how his father will react. But staying away from Malik? Impossible. Malik has always known he is into guys and girls, but he never thought he would feel something more for Grey. He never wanted to lose his friendship. But when Grey show that he has feelings for Malik? It’s like his heart gives permission to let out those feelings. He knows falling for Grey is a risk. Especially when he has to watch Grey entertain his father’s pushes to get him off his back. But Malik can only handle so much. And it’s only a matter of time until they have to decide if this thing between them is worth fighting for. It’s clear from the beginning that there is something between Malik and Grey, even if they were both in denial about it. Their chemistry was great and they were the definition of best friends to lovers. Another great book in this series and I can’t wait to read the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Under the Oak Tree Volume 3 by Suji Kim

 

Under the Oak Tree Volume 3

Most fairytales end with a wedding and a happily-ever-after—but this is no fairytale. The updated and official translation of Under the Oak Tree, the #1 webnovel on MANTA, continues in this third volume.

The day that Lady Maximilian has been dreading is After an arduous journey to Livadon, she must stay behind at a monastery while her husband, the renowned Sir Riftan, rides off to war with the Remdragon Knights. Consumed by worry for their loved ones, Maxi and the other noblewomen in the monastery keep themselves busy by tending to villagers in need at the local shelter.

But Maxi’s patience quickly runs thin as she fears the worst. Desperate to see Riftan, she escapes the monastery and makes her way to the battlefield. Little does she know that the horrors of war and swarms of terrifying monsters are not the only dangers awaiting her. As she confronts her painful past, the tumultuous present, and an uncertain future, Maxi faces the greatest obstacles of her life—and the gravest threats to her relationship with Riftan thus far.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242000497-under-the-oak-tree

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

The story continues! Maxi may have convinced Riftan to let her accompany him and his knights, but it doesn’t mean he will take her to war. She is forced to stay behind at a monastery while she waits for Riftan to come back from war against the monsters that plagued the land. But staying still is the last thing Maxi wants. And she gets the opportunity to help and possibly catch a glimpse of Riftan when her and another noblewoman disguise themselves as female clerics to help the wounded. She is closer to the action than she thought she would be and danger for her may be closer than she thinks. Especially since if she isn’t careful Riftan will spot her. For me, this caught me up to where the comic of this story is currently at and beyond! So much happens in this book. A lot of action and a lot of revelations. I couldn’t put it down, having to know what was going to happen next with these characters. But here was my biggest question when I reached the end… was this truly the end? It’s a bit vague in the sense nothing is advertised as it, but since these volumes pick up with the next chapter and this one has an epilogue, it may be that we have reached the end. And end that does conclude rather well but also leaves us wanting more considering where we left off with Riftan and Maxi. I needed an epilogue after the epilogue! A better peek at the future after everything we saw happened. But I will say, Maxi’s journey really took off in this story. She has so much more fight in this book and we see that in several very important places, especially the end. But again, I love a good satisfying happily ever after for our characters and I needed more than we got. Overall though, I really did love this series. It was an interesting world to be in and if this isn’t the end, then I can’t wait for more. But if we have truly reached the end, it’s been a great journey.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Longwood U Book 5: Graduation No Face by Crea Reitan

 

Longwood U Book 5

Graduation implies a new beginning…

Jude

It’s unusual that I meet someone who becomes more than a fleeting acquaintance. Of all the places to meet such a person, at my cousin’s graduation party is my last guess. I’m so intrigued with him that I invite him with me to the boat club on Dark Island in Alexandra Bay for the summer.

Conner

I planned my entire future around getting drafted to the NHL but come graduation, no one wants me. Through a series of fortunate events, a frat brother brings me home and his hot cousin - professional hockey player - somehow takes an interest in me and while I’m still floundering for a future, I’m not upset to live in the present for a while.

Joining him at his boat club and staying in the castle is far too good to be true.

Because it is too good. One man takes an instant dislike of me and somehow, I end up inside the wall and before a group of masked people with knives in their hands as they discuss whether I get to live or die.

***

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244504074-graduation-no-face

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Conner thought he had his future figured out. But when his plan to play pro hockey fails, he has no idea what to do. His parents religious beliefs makes it so he has no where to go. But lucky for Conner, he isn’t alone. Not when his friend, Nolan, takes him under his wing. And under the protection of his very big family. But what surprises Conner more is the intense connection he feels when he meets Jude. How can he not know Jude Vincent? The hockey player not that much older than himself and his father who was a great hockey player. But what really gets to Conner is this connection he feels with Jude that has nothing to do with hockey. And he isn’t the only one. Jude is even more surprised by what he feels for Conner. He’s never connected with someone like that before and so quickly. And he isn’t ready to let go. So when he whisks Conner away to spend the summer with him and his friends at a boat club, he knows the risks. Like what would happen if Conner discovers what else the boat club is part of… Let’s just say it’s more than Conner can handle. This was a fun one! Since Longwood U is set with future generations of characters we know and love, it’s so fun to piece together who is connected to who. We get a lot of new and familiar names. I loved Jude and Conner and getting to know them as they fall harder for one another each day. And of course, I was super intrigued by this secret society and definitely wouldn’t mind learning about that one day! Great and fun story all around. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Siren’s Point Book 1: Finest Kind of Fate by JJ Mulder

 

Siren’s Point Book 1

Ewan Fate left home seven years ago never intending to stay gone. Now, he’s wondering how he’ll ever manage to go back. When an extended creative block and an inability to paint puts his career in jeopardy, he packs his bags, ignores his doubts, and travels home to the east coast.

The sleepy little fishing town of Siren’s Point isn’t so sleepy when Ewan comes back to town. Nothing much has changed since he’s been away— the locals still gossip, the lobstermen still haul traps, and Shiloh Lepage is still the love of his life.

Shiloh spends his days on the ocean, and his nights alone. He feels stuck in a relationship that has gone stagnant. He misses a childhood friend he hasn’t spoken to in seven years, and should have long given up on. He doesn’t know what else to do, and so he simply goes on.

Ewan is supposed to be on vacation. He’s supposed to be relaxing, and, if he’s lucky, finding himself again. But all he’s found is a rekindling of desire that never quite went away, no matter how many miles he put between himself and Shiloh. Now back in Siren’s Point, he finds himself confronted with old fears, new choices, and the realization that some things will never change.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245924653-finest-kind-of-fate

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Seven years ago, Ewan left his home and is heart behind in Siren’s Point. The loss of his mother, the feelings he was having for his best friend, and the need to try and make his artistic dreams come true were the drive. But though he was successful in his career, it wasn’t an easy seven years. Not when his heart was with his best friend, Shiloh. And who he hasn’t spoken to since. But now, he needs a break. His art suffering and he suddenly has this idea to go home. He knows it won’t be easy. Not how he left and how he hasn’t reached out. He has amends to make and maybe it’s time to face his feelings. Shiloh knew Ewan had to leave. He understood. He just hoped Ewan wouldn’t completely shut him out when he did. He never got over it. And he never tried reaching out even when he was met back with silence. But perhaps he does need to move on this time? But just as the thought crosses his mind, Ewan returns home. A long conversation is well overdue and perhaps it is time to come clean about his own feelings for his best friend. A sweet and beautiful second chance for these two. It is clear to anyone that these two were always meant to be together. They just took their sweet time getting there! I loved watching Ewan and Shiloh reconnect and reaffirm the love they have for one another. We have a brand new town with a lot of interesting character. I can’t wait to see who’s story is next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

SIlvercrest U Book 4: X Marks the Spot by Willow Dixon

 

Silvercrest U Book 4

Getting kidnapped while at a rave wasn’t on my list of things to do. Neither was finding out that the guy I was abducted with isn’t just a rival frat member, we also hooked up that night, and I had no idea who he was.

Now we’re back at school, and instead of moving on and forgetting what happened, I can’t stop thinking about it.

Or about him.

Then I’m tasked with looking into Damon to see if he’s involved in a plot to take down my frat, and the more I watch him, the more obsessed I become.

I don’t just want Damon; I want things I’ve spent years denying myself. Things no one is supposed to want. And it doesn’t take long to realize that we’re not so different after all.

I don’t understand this pull between us, but everything changes when I find out that someone is trying to kill him.

Damon is mine, and I will burn the world down to protect him.

You want him? Come and try to get him.

I f*cking dare you.

X Marks the Spot is the fourth book in a new dark romance series set at an elite, invite-only college, and is a strangers to lovers story between a man who feels like an outsider in his own life, and a rival frat member who awakens his darker side. You can expect strangers to lovers, opposites attract, a bi-awakening, stalking, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, mild CNC, primal play, dirty talk, “touch him and die” vibes, sensualism and sensory play, outdoor fun, a protective MC, morally ambiguous heroes, not-so-secret societies, and lots of spicy times that will steam up your kindle screen as these two men realize that sometimes what you need is the one thing you tell yourself you shouldn’t want.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245063365-x-marks-the-spot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Xavier never imagined that going to a rave would lead not only to being kidnapped but hooking up with a guy who happens to go to his school and be in a rival frat is kidnapped with him. Hooking up with Damon is probably the crazier part than the kidnapping. But even more so? The fact that Xave wants to hook up again. And when Xave learns that Damon is still a target? All bets are off. Because Xave protects what is his. And Damon? Most definitely his. Damon can’t believe there is someone out there who wants to kill him. Because why? What enemy could he possibly have? But even more crazy is what is happening between him and Xave. Damon knew he was attracted to guys but he never hooked up with one before. And after Xave? There is no one else for him. And after seeing the darker side of Xave and his family, Damon knows that maybe he should be scared, but he is anything but. Because Xave makes him feel safe. Seen. And cared for in a way he never has been before. He trusts Xave to help him figure out what is going on. And hopefully they can find the culprit before they try to come after Damon again. Another great book in this series! Loved that we finally got Xave’s story! We knew something has been going on with him and I’m glad we finally got the details. And I loved getting to know Damon and the dynamic between him and Xave. These two were such a great pair. It’s an interesting world and while the Hawthorne cousins’ stories may be done, there are plenty of others’ stories to tell and I can’t wait! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Forging Silver Into Stars Book 3: Sparking Fire Out of Fate by Brigid Kemmerer

 

Forging Silver Into Stars Book 3

Broken loyalties. Uncertain fates. Two kingdoms hanging in the balance. . . The exhilarating finale in bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer's Forging Silver series will leave readers breathless!

Callyn has grown closer to Queen Lia Mara in Syhl Shallow, bonded by the secret magic they share. But their magic can stay hidden only so long, especially when a dangerous plot on the Queen's life forces Callyn to work with the man who betrayed her.

In Emberfall, Tycho and Jax are struggling to rebuild their connection after months apart, complicated when they learn of Truthbringers causing trouble at the borders. Sent to investigate together, Jax and Tycho soon discover that the rebellious faction has formed a devil's bargain with the magical scravers to destroy human magic once and for all.

When their missions bring them together, Tycho, Jax, and Callyn find themselves facing threats from all sides. With one last chance to save their magic and their kingdoms, they must work together, or lose everything.

War has erupted. Love is tested. And without sacrifice, magic could destroy everyone . . .

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228539437-sparking-fire-out-of-fate

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It feels like I have been waiting forever for this book and it has finally arrived! The conclusion to Tycho, Jax, and Callyn’s story is here and it was a great way to end this trilogy. Tycho and Jax are reunited but things are strained between them after being apart for so long. As they find their way back to one another, they are sent on a mission together to learn what the Truthbringers are currently doing. Turns out, nothing good. They’ll have to find a way to alert the king and queen, and stop these rebels for good before they cause more harm. Meanwhile, Callyn has her own problems with Alek but they are aligned when it comes to protecting Queen Lia Mara. They don’t know who to trust but they realize despite the hurt between them, deep down they trust one another. And it is just what they need to fix what happened between them as well. Everyone will be reunited and it’s a final battle to save their kingdoms. A great way to end the series! It’s been a fun world to be in and I loved getting to know all these new characters in this series as well as seeing so many familiar faces. It’s a great world and I’m sad to see we have reached the end. Great series!

Hidden Legacy Book 6.5: Beast Business by Ilona Andrews

 

Hidden Legacy Book 6.5

Augustine Montgomery is an Illusion Prime who owns a premier PI corporation and alters his appearance with magic. The people who have seen Augustine’s real face can be counted on the fingers of one hand. The people who witnessed the full extent of his power are dead. The illusion isn’t just the brand of his magic. It’s become his lifestyle.

Show as little as possible. Make them think that illusion is all you have. Your life depends on it.

Augustine lives by this creed. He’s cold, rational, and calculating. He doesn’t get emotionally involved. Then one day Diana Harrison walks into his office and asks for his help. Diana is a Prime, an animal mage who bonds with animals through her magic and prefers their company to humans. Something precious has been stolen from House Harrison. Something Diana must recover at all costs.

The two Houses are allied through a friendship pact. Assisting Diana is simply good business. And yet, there is something about her that disturbs the careful balance of Augustine’s inner world.

Neither of them is who they appear to be. Both would die to keep their secrets. But the enemy they face is more powerful than either had imagined, and saving the life that hangs in the balance will demand the ultimate price neither Augustine nor Diana ever anticipated to pay – complete honesty.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/247307972-beast-business

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The Hidden Legacy series is my favorite from this author. I love being back in this world and am constantly wishing for more stories. This novella about Augustine was not enough! I wish it was longer, though it was perfect for a novella. I wish it was getting a sequel though it seems the authors won’t be doing so. And I am still team Arabella needs a series but alas, still another thing not happening. But I’ll hold out hope! This story was a great way to come back into the world even for a brief time. Cameos from a few friendly faces but mostly we finally get a story about Augustine. And we get an even better look at Diana. Diana comes to Augustine for help. Their Houses are allies and what she asks has to stay between them for a number of reasons. But they are in the search for a very precious something that was stolen from Diana. We get a way better look at their abilities and who they are. And the chemistry between these two are wild. Like I said, definitely needed more after that ending. It’s such an interesting world and gets more so with every new book. Overall, great story! I’m definitely itching for a reread and just more in general.